Turn A Plastic Bottle Into A DIY Air Conditioner

Air conditioner not working up to speed during this heatwave? Turns out, you can make a super-effective DIY air conditioner on the cheap using supplies you probably already have. Two plastic bottles, a fan and some ice should quickly net you a much-needed respite from the stifling heat. You can even use this outdoors, the ice is just going to melt faster. Whether you need a quick cool off on the patio or you need a solution because your home AC is on the blink and no one can get out to repair it until next week, this nifty DIY is sure to do the trick for you. Making your own air conditioner is super easy, too. Here’s how.

Supplies for DIY Air Conditioner

• Two 16-to-20-ounce plastic bottles
• Precision knife
• Drill bit that can cut plastic (I just used a regular one and it worked fine)
• Medium-sized fan
• Thin metal wire
• Pliers
• Ice cubes

Step One

Use a utility knife to cut carefully cut a circle around the bottom off of the bottle. Be sure that you don’t cut the entire bottom off, though.  You should still end up with a small piece of plastic that remains which will keep the lower part attached.

Step Two

Take your drill and hold the bit up to a warming device. Once hot, start drilling small holes into the sides of the bottle, starting from just above the base cut, all the way up to the mid-section. Your holes should be about 1/4 inch apart.

Repeat these steps with your second plastic bottle.

Step Three

Secure the plastic bottles on either side of your portable fan by twisting the metal wire through any holes at the base area and ridged portion, just below the cap. Both bottles should be upside down, with the top of the bottle facing the floor. Leave the caps on here. Fasten the end of the wire with pliers, if necessary.

Step Four

Add ice to the bottles.

Step Five

Turn the fan on and enjoy the cool air!